Northern Ireland indie rock trio Two Door Cinema Club made a name for themselves with the 2010 release of their album Tourist History. The debut, featuring a variety of upbeat tracks that vary in sound and style, was soon pushed into the indie and alternative spotlight. What made the album such a standout is how unique each track is from one another, starting with the staccato beats of the opener, “Cigarettes in the Theatre,” and smoothly transitioning into the retro synths and driving beat of “Come Back Home.” The album topped charts in the UK and created buzz in the US as well.
As a result of the success of Tourist History, the release of Two Door Cinema Club’s second album, Beacon, came with high expectations. Fortunately, the eleven track LP includes a range of unique songs that are sure to satisfy fans. The first song on the album is “Next Year,” an immediate standout that features the upbeat, danceable style that the band is known for. Lead singer Alex Trimble’s vocals soar beautifully throughout the chorus. The second track, “Handshake,” is another standout, memorable for its haunting, explosive chorus. The trio keeps the album versatile with fourth track, “Sun,” a slower but no less energetic piece that seems to float with uncertainty, highlighted in the first lines that Trimble sings: “Ocean blue, what have I done to you?” The use of piano and brass instruments makes it stick out from the rest of the album in a good way; the song is definitely a must have. “Wake Up” and “Sleep Alone are also solid songs, the best part of them being the pick up at bridge. “Someday” and “Pyramid,” tracks five and ten, are darker sounding compared to the rest of the album. “Pyramid” bounces throughout its verses, and “Someday” is one of the best songs on Beacon, showcasing the band’s talents on guitar. Another great track is “The World Is Watching,” a song that could be forgettable if not for the inclusion of a female voice, Valentina, whose soft vocals carry the chorus along. “Settle” is strong and uplifting as Trimble atmospherically sings, “Learn to fly, learn to fly, show the world how you try.” Ninth track “Spring” features more meaningful lyrics along with a slow build up, and the strong bass and soft vocals of final track “Beacon” closes the album smoothly.
Overall, any fan of Tourist History will be happy with Beacon – the trio kept their upbeat vibe, and each song is individual in its own way while fitting well with the rest of the album. However, the album is less cheery and the lyrics are more emotional. The band has clearly matured, and Beacon is more polished than its predecessor. Two Door Cinema Club has definitely avoided a sophomore slump with this album.